Build the electric “Moon buggy” that transformed lunar exploration.
The Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle gave astronauts the freedom to travel far beyond their landing sites, carry scientific equipment, and return with more geological samples than would have been possible on foot. A rover was used during each of the final three Apollo lunar missions—Apollo 15, 16, and 17—between 1971 and 1972.
Designed to fold into a compact compartment on the Lunar Module, the lightweight rover was deployed after landing and driven across some of the Moon’s most demanding terrain. Each of its four wire-mesh wheels had its own electric motor, while two non-rechargeable 36-volt silver-zinc batteries supplied power.
During Apollo 17, astronauts Gene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt drove their rover approximately 35.9 kilometers (22.3 miles) across the Taurus-Littrow Valley. Its total driving time was just four hours and 26 minutes, yet it dramatically expanded the crew’s reach and scientific productivity.
This detailed Metal Earth 3D Model Kit captures the rover’s distinctive mesh wheels, open seating, communications antenna, and scientific equipment. The finished model makes an excellent display piece for Apollo enthusiasts and a rewarding project for experienced builders.
Model Specifications:
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Item Number: MMS094
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Difficulty Level: Challenging
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Number of Sheets: 2 Sheets
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Assembled Size: 3.54" L x 1.77" W x 2.28" H (9 x 4.5 x 5.8 cm)
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Ages: 14+
🛠️ Download the Official Assembly Instructions (PDF)
🔭 From the Desk of Paul Bracken:
"The Lunar Rover was an extraordinary piece of engineering. It had to be lightweight, fold tightly enough to ride aboard the Lunar Module, survive launch and landing, and then work flawlessly in the vacuum and dust of the Moon. This Metal Earth kit captures all the features that made the rover so memorable, especially those wonderful wire-mesh wheels and the large communications antenna. It’s a challenging build, so work slowly and keep a pair of fine tweezers or small needle-nose pliers handy. The finished model is a terrific companion to an Apollo Lunar Module display."
